October Birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline

October babies are blessed to have two birthstones that are as unique, bright and multi-faceted as they are. Opals and Tourmaline are both bright gemstones with a long, colorful history that make fantastic gifts for the October baby in your life - or anyone for that matter! About Opals Opals are some of the world’s most popular gemstones and for good reason. A single Opal can shine with every color on the spectrum, and their fiery intensity and range of color can rival even that of a diamond. The Opal’s signature colorful flashes, known as “opalescence” or “play of color,” are made up of millions of microscopic silica spheres that determine the quality and color of diffracted light that shines through the stone, creating a dazzling rainbow of colors. Opals are found all over the world and the full range of opal colors include white, gray, black, red, orange, yellow, blue and brown. The most valuable are black Opals, with top-of-the-range quality valued at approximately $10,000 per carat. Opal Gifts Contrary to popular belief, Opals are not cursed. In fact, they make excellent gifts. The only thing brighter than the Opal will be their smile! Malak Jewelers carries a fine selection of Opal jewelry, including 14k and 18k gold and silver Opal necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. In addition to fashion jewelry, Opals make a stunning center stone in engagement rings! In particular, Opals are a perfect choice for vintage ring lovers. Tourmaline Tourmaline is the most colorful of gemstones, occurring in all colors with pink, red, green, blue and multicolored being the most common. Tourmaline has been prized for millennia and is known by many names but the word Tourmaline derives from the Sinhalese term turamali. Turamali translates to “stone of many colors.” Ancient Egyptians believed during its journey up from the center of the earth, Tourmaline passed through a rainbow, which is the reason for its staggering array of colors. In fact, Tourmaline did not pass through a rainbow, but comprises a group of minerals with related physical and chemical properties, and its many colors are the result of their varied, unique chemical composition. With its diverse range of colors and qualities, Tourmaline jewelry makes the perfect gift to brighten up anyone’s life. We carry an exquisite collection of Tourmaline jewelry ranging from earrings to bracelets to necklaces to fashion rings and even engagement rings! This unique, breathtaking gemstone is sure to make the perfect present that will be cherished forever.